Apple files for patent for ‘haptic output system’ for AirPods, AirPods Pro

Apple has filed for a patent (number 20210176548) for a “haptic output system.” It involves the company’s AirPods and AirPods Pro devices. It could also involve the company’s rumored augmented reality headset.

The company wants you to be able to feel feedback from these various gadgets. In the patent filing, Apple notes that wearable electronic devices are increasingly ubiquitous in modern society. For example, wireless audio devices (e.g., headphones, earbuds) are worn to provide convenient listening experiences for music and other audio. 

Head-mounted displays are worn to provide virtual or augmented reality environments to users for gaming, productivity, entertainment, and the like. Wrist-worn devices, such as smart watches, provide convenient access to various types of information and applications, including weather information, messaging applications, activity tracking applications, and the like. 

Apple says that some wearable devices, such as smart watches, may use haptic outputs to provide tactile alerts to the wearer. For example, to indicate that a message has been received or that an activity goal has been reached. Apple wants to extend such functionality to its AirPods and AirPods Pro.